Radiator decision time
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,045
Likes: 6,551
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Radiator decision time
I have not confirmed it but think it's radiator time for my '92. I'm trying to decide which way to go. The car is stock, it's a driver, not anything for competition. On the other hand we do like to go on road trips and may be taking an extended trip this summer. The stock radiator has always been adequate so far.
Dewitt's - Good: Forum sponsor, double the cooling capacity of stock, good reputation from satisfied customers.
Bad: Needs some modification to install (one search result seemed like no big deal, another one sounded like it was more involved). Price about $500
Advance - Good: About $175. Fits right in with no alteration needed.
Bad - probably made in China.
Looking for opinions. Do I really need the extra cooling the Dewitt's brings, and is it worth over 3 times the cost plus the work of modification? Not saying I'm going to go with the "vote" but I am interested in opinions of others here.
Thanks!
Dewitt's - Good: Forum sponsor, double the cooling capacity of stock, good reputation from satisfied customers.
Bad: Needs some modification to install (one search result seemed like no big deal, another one sounded like it was more involved). Price about $500
Advance - Good: About $175. Fits right in with no alteration needed.
Bad - probably made in China.
Looking for opinions. Do I really need the extra cooling the Dewitt's brings, and is it worth over 3 times the cost plus the work of modification? Not saying I'm going to go with the "vote" but I am interested in opinions of others here.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 218
From: Merritt Island, FL
The stock radiator is plenty adequate for a stock motor. The cooling deteriorates when junk builds up in the cooling stack -- but that's not the fault of the stock radiator.
In vehicles that I keep stock, I keep the stock radiator. Upgrading is just a way to lighten the wallet, IMHO.
In vehicles that I keep stock, I keep the stock radiator. Upgrading is just a way to lighten the wallet, IMHO.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
One thing to consider I don't think the parts stores stock the manual transmission radiators anymore. The AT radiator will fit and work in a MT car. But I don't like the idea of the extra tubing for the ATF taking up space or airflow. I really don't know if it is an issue or not.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,045
Likes: 6,551
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Mine is an automatic. (I prefer a stick but this way the wife can enjoy driving it too - and she does!)
The Dewitt's site says some modification is needed. "This unit fits into the original mounting however GM did not allow any room for a thicker core and therefore it is impossible to make a true "direct fit". The upper two rubber cushions must be trimmed slightly to accommodate the larger core."
Did a search on here yesterday and found some discussion - this one was from 2006: "Keep in mind that they are not truly a "direct fit" for a 1994..you'll need a dremel and a saw to cut the brackets and shroud to make it fit properly..but overall a great improvement to your car."
I do like buying American, want to support a forum sponsor, and I do like being able to travel with peace of mind in summer heat. On the other hand, if a stock replacement is going to work fine for my application (i.e. no mods, no competition) the price difference is pretty significant.
The Dewitt's site says some modification is needed. "This unit fits into the original mounting however GM did not allow any room for a thicker core and therefore it is impossible to make a true "direct fit". The upper two rubber cushions must be trimmed slightly to accommodate the larger core."
Did a search on here yesterday and found some discussion - this one was from 2006: "Keep in mind that they are not truly a "direct fit" for a 1994..you'll need a dremel and a saw to cut the brackets and shroud to make it fit properly..but overall a great improvement to your car."
I do like buying American, want to support a forum sponsor, and I do like being able to travel with peace of mind in summer heat. On the other hand, if a stock replacement is going to work fine for my application (i.e. no mods, no competition) the price difference is pretty significant.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,045
Likes: 6,551
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
One further question. We know the LT1 likes to run warmer than most engines. That's the way GM built them, that's what they do. Is there any downside to running cooler? In a totally different application, back when my son raced a microsprint we had to keep the temp up to get maximum output, even had to tape off part of the radiator on cool nights.
Again, I'm not racing the Vette so don't care about every last HP. But are there any other issues with running cooler than intended?
BTW - don't get the idea I'm trying to shoot holes in the Dewitt's. The forum is full of positive comments, which I believe. Just trying to do my homework before making the decision.
Again, I'm not racing the Vette so don't care about every last HP. But are there any other issues with running cooler than intended?
BTW - don't get the idea I'm trying to shoot holes in the Dewitt's. The forum is full of positive comments, which I believe. Just trying to do my homework before making the decision.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
The factory radiator is one area that should ALWAYS be considered for upgrading.
The engine being stock or not makes little difference.
Both configurations benefit greatly.
The engine being stock or not makes little difference.
Both configurations benefit greatly.
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; Apr 14, 2012 at 03:12 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 935
Likes: 385
The only modification work I had to do is trim the rubber cushions on my '96 when I installed my DeWitts radiator. They supply a template for this minor work. DeWitts provided spacer bars work great on the shroud. I definately recommend upgrading from the stock radiator to the higher capacity unit.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
The only modification work I had to do is trim the rubber cushions on my '96 when I installed my DeWitts radiator. They supply a template for this minor work. DeWitts provided spacer bars work great on the shroud. I definately recommend upgrading from the stock radiator to the higher capacity unit.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Dewitt's will mean peace of mind every time you get stuck in a traffic jam on a hot muggy day. I have seen their displays at the big shows and they are impressive. A DeWitt radiator is on my 91's to do list.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,045
Likes: 6,551
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Originally Posted by corvetteronw
Dewitt's will mean peace of mind every time you get stuck in a traffic jam on a hot muggy day.
My DD is an F150 and I'm finishing up a couple items on that. When it's healthy again I will pull the Vette radiator and confirm that is the source of the leak. If so, I'm going to spend a little extra for peace of mind, a little more extra to buy American, and a little more extra to support a forum vendor. If replacement is needed I'll go with Dewitt's.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 33
From: Charlotte Michigan
DeWitts is working on a new single core that is larger and will supposedly be cheaper and yet give excellent cooling capability for the LT1. Tom can probably weigh in more on this. The email i got a few weeks ago was that they were playing around with the angle of the fins to help achieve better cooling. I've been waiting since last fall for this to be perfected and become available. I certainly trust them for producing a high quality product made in the USA, Plus they are only about 70 miles from me.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33,045
Likes: 6,551
From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Order has been placed with Dewitts. 
Problem was a crack in the plastic end piece, alongside where the lower radiator hose attaches. I'm sure I'm not the first nor the last for this issue, thought I'd mention what it was in case it helps the next guy.
Well, actually I did do a bit of pondering and thinking. The dependability factor was the clincher. Ours is not a show car, we put a fair amount of miles on and love road trips. This summer we're thinking of Oklahoma and Texas, and the last thing I want is to break down in West Jockstrap somewhere because something from China saved me a few bucks. The single core sounds interesting but I can't wait. Dewitt's said it will go out today, you can't beat that for availability.
Problem was a crack in the plastic end piece, alongside where the lower radiator hose attaches. I'm sure I'm not the first nor the last for this issue, thought I'd mention what it was in case it helps the next guy.
He's no fun. He fell right over.
Well, actually I did do a bit of pondering and thinking. The dependability factor was the clincher. Ours is not a show car, we put a fair amount of miles on and love road trips. This summer we're thinking of Oklahoma and Texas, and the last thing I want is to break down in West Jockstrap somewhere because something from China saved me a few bucks. The single core sounds interesting but I can't wait. Dewitt's said it will go out today, you can't beat that for availability.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
You'll love it. if you don't reprogram your fans the second fan will only come on when you turn on the AC. Well unless you are sitting in bumber to bumper and not moving for several min 
Mine kept the original LT1 cool for my commute. It now has a 383 to keep cool for 20 - 40 min sessions on the road race courses. Love my DeWitts!
Mine kept the original LT1 cool for my commute. It now has a 383 to keep cool for 20 - 40 min sessions on the road race courses. Love my DeWitts!
